The Route 10 Farmers Market in Livingston, part of a chain of indoor farmers markets, doesn’t always carry local produce, but its prices are hard to beat. If produce is on your grocery list, chances are you’ll pick up whatever you need while you’re at the supermarket. If you’re looking for something a bit unusual — maybe Asian chives,... Full story »

This is a story about a holiday tradition, or the lack thereof. I guess every family has its own customs, but the discussion about serving the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve is one that keeps coming up year after year. Not in my home, mind you; we gave up the ghost years ago, turned our backs... Full story »

Several years ago, my brother Marc and I cursed his then-new GPS while trying to find Mandoo Dumplings in the maze of an Englewood industrial park. It wasn't easy, but boy, was it worth the trouble. At that time, owner Kyu Lee, his executive chef Kyoung Kim and a staff of perfectionists cut, filled, folded and packaged about 10,000... Full story »

Its name may come from a cocktail, but the food does Mojito proud: Here’s chef Lucy Ferreira’s rolled chicken breast Mojito stuffed with manchego cheese, Serrano ham and asparagus. Hats off, brava, take a deep bow, chef Lucy Ferreira: This is your day to shine. Ferreira, who works her magic in the kitchen of Mojito, a Cuban restaurant just... Full story »

‘Attractive male, 40, with close ties to family and community, seeks energetic woman with sense of humor who can deal with politics, parades, publicity and rubber chicken dinners. Must love chorizo.” I could add that Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) has an MBA, spends a lot of his time working on programs to help kids in his Ironbound neighborhood in... Full story »

I’ve probably driven through Harrison a dozen times in the last year and had no idea there was a new soccer stadium, much less where it was. Everyone I asked — one person even lives in Harrison— had never seen it. So as we drove there on a Saturday evening a couple of hours before a Major League Soccer... Full story »

Somehow, my conversations always turn to food. That’s how I found El Taco Loco, and I hope it isn’t my friend Maryann’s secret find, because I’m going to recommend it to everyone I know. Maryann lives in Perth Amboy, and she likes walking and shopping the busy downtown. She described her new favorite meal: a taco salad “with a... Full story »

Have you started shopping for Easter basket goodies yet? My girls are gone and my son leaves for college in the fall, but I still make baskets filled with their favorites from childhood. They’ll always be my babies, and I’m still hoping I’ve done fairly well in the “Mommy loves you” show. But Sheila Loria puts me to shame.... Full story »

Since my daughter Jana left for law school, the cereal shelf has been invaded by her brother Eric’s protein bars and trail mix combos. But when she’s home, there are at least three open boxes in the house at all times. Hey, you never know if it’s going to be a Cinnamon Life, Oatmeal Squares or Honey Bunches of... Full story »

Sanoh Yunprayong, also known as Joey Thai, opened his Montclair eatery in 2008. As much as I love living at the Shore — where chilling out after a long day means walking a couple of blocks to watch the waves — the hard fact is, the longer I work in North Jersey, the more I realize how many more... Full story »